Valve Cover leaks
Guest
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Valve Cover leaks
My valve cover is leaking. Any suggestions on how to replace it right? Should I use sylicone or Mr. Gasket along with the paper gasket to give it a better seal? Is this a problem area with C3's? Any other suggestions? I've been told not to overtighten the bolts.. Anyone know the specs on this.. I'll be looking it up the next time I'm in the reading room but thought I'd ask while I'm typing... :lol:
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
My advise is this. Whenever you replace the gaskets DO NOT use any RTV on the surface. Instead run some RTV around the inside of the gasket. The problem with the cork gaskets is that they absorb oil over time. Running some RTV around the inside of the gasket will help slow down this process.
Lastly when you tighten down your valve covers DON'T torque them down. The torque specs on the valve cover bolts is 90 inch lbs. not ft. lbs :D. I always used to kid my buddy about that. He used to torque those things down and distort the gaskets and valve covers and they'd leak like crazy....and he wondered why :).
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Lastly when you tighten down your valve covers DON'T torque them down. The torque specs on the valve cover bolts is 90 inch lbs. not ft. lbs :D. I always used to kid my buddy about that. He used to torque those things down and distort the gaskets and valve covers and they'd leak like crazy....and he wondered why :).
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,663
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From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
Personally, I used the Moroso rubber on metal frame gaskets. They're more expensive, but I like them. The rubber/cork should work just fine. I put rtv on the valve cover side only to hold the gasket in place while you seat the cover. DO NOT put it on the head side. I believe the torque specs is 45 inch/lbs. Neither here nor there, the best thing to do is just snug them down. Don't over torque.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
Use a rubber or silicon gasket, and don't over tighten it. They just need to snug down so that they are compressed fairly evenly all the way around. They aren't really holding any pressure they are just stopping drips. The Moroso metal/rubber gasket is a pretty good gasket. I've never had much luck with cork gaskets.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Milest)
Right now I am using cork but I will probably switch to the Earl's rubber/steel gasket when I do the switch to synthetic oil. The Earl's have crush limiters (basically metal tubing) at the holes so you CANNOT overtighten them. I also changed over to the ARP studs which make life much easier (no fiddling with bolts and I just drop the gasket right on).
Guest
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Re: Valve Cover leaks
Are the Moroso, Fel-pro, Earl's rubber gaskets auto store gaskets or are they specialty gaskets? I don't mind spending a few bucks more if it's going to help. Earl's sound like the best choice since it will help with the want to overtighten.. Where can I find'em?
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
I use the cork 7/32" (extra thick) gaskets with no RTV. Just finger tight on the valve cover bolts with the littlest socket wrench.
No leaks. I also use synthetic oil... :smash:
No leaks. I also use synthetic oil... :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Valve Cover leaks (79MakoL82)
I would also recommend sanding down the inside of the lip area where the gasket meets the cover. If ther is any old RTV, it will remove it and make it seal completly.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
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From: FL
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
Are the Moroso, Fel-pro, Earl's rubber gaskets auto store gaskets or are they specialty gaskets? I don't mind spending a few bucks more if it's going to help. Earl's sound like the best choice since it will help with the want to overtighten.. Where can I find'em?
http://www.jegs.com http://www.summitracing.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: Valve Cover leaks (rainman69)
I use the cork 7/32" (extra thick) gaskets with no RTV. Just finger tight on the valve cover bolts with the littlest socket wrench.
No leaks. I also use synthetic oil... :smash:
No leaks. I also use synthetic oil... :smash:
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Halifax Pa
Re: Valve Cover leaks (sharklover)
I replaced the valve cover gasket on the passenger side a few months ago. Went to NAPA and bought the Fel-Pro gasket. They recommended not using any RTV or anything else. Just clean up the head surface real good, and don't over tighten. Very easy job!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
If you have stamped steel valve covers make sure they are not distorted by the bolt holes from overtightening. Lay a straight edge along the gasket area and make sure they are flat.
[Modified by Pete79L82, 6:44 AM 3/19/2002]
[Modified by Pete79L82, 6:44 AM 3/19/2002]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Valve Cover leaks
Thanks for all the advise.. I think this will be this weekends project..(that is if the new carpets don't come first) I found the local speed shop carries the Fel-pro 7/32 cork for $16 bucks so I'll give them a try. Thanks for all the help! :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Arlington Texas
Re: Valve Cover leaks (Koz)
Pete had an excellent point if you are using stamped steel covers. You can fix them with a quick rap from a hammer if they are dimpled. And as others have already pointed out don't overtighten the bolts.
